Porsche Cayman S India review, test drive

The Porsche Cayman S is touted to be the best sportscar in the world. But how does it fare on Indian roads? Time to find out.

Published on Sep 05, 2013 05:51:00 PM

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Porsche Cayman S India review, test drive

But to get to the real magic, I need to push harder. As if on cue, the condition of the tarmac improves and so does my pace. Much has been written about Porsche’s new electric steering, and it is true. It does feel a bit numb around the centre in comparison to the old car. But that really doesn’t matter all that much, and I’ll tell you why. Sure, you miss some of the confidence that comes from a better steering and a bit of clarity is missing too, but the rest of the Cayman works so well from apex to apex, you just tend to settle down and dig into the feast. As you go harder and start to transfer more weight from one side of the car to the other, you soon come to realise that the car’s cornering balance is near perfect. Going quicker doesn’t upset the composure of the car and I find that the more you use the throttle, the easier it is to neutralise that hint of understeer lurking in the chassis. What thrills you totally also is the fantastic level of precision with which this car operates; it just feels super special. Go harder and there’s a gradual transition from grip to slip as the riveted-to-the-road rear begins to move smoothly in a predictable manner, pointing the Cayman more naturally into corners. On offer, as long as you don’t go overboard, is a flattering layer of controllability which is simply thrilling. The new Cayman, however, isn’t as easy to get sliding around as the earlier car. The longer wheelbase and generally higher levels of grip mean you need to be going much quicker to get the same thrills. But then, the sense of accomplishment once you do is much higher.

The new Cayman S easily lives up to its billing as arguably the best sportscar in the world. For a start, it has a degree of adjustability and seamless confidence-inspiring handling that elevates it above the ordinary. Its raw straight-line performance is now right up there with the quickest 911s, its interiors are better built than a majority of luxury cars and it is even refined and docile enough to be used on an everyday basis. Also, importantly, Porsche now has its own service network in India, which is sure to give more confidence to owners here. At Rs 93.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it’s not cheap and you could easily add another 20 lakhs in features, options and taxes. But if you are looking for automotive perfection in a sportscar, the Cayman is in a class of one.